Thanks for subscribing to our quarterly newsletter! It is our hope that our newsletters will provide you with updates on our Board's progress, see what wonderful things we've been doing for students, and provide event reminders for the organization and our community partners.

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We have had a few changes in our Board of Directors over the last few months. Mark Reyna and Katie Koop have both received promotions at their places of work, which has added to their time commitments. Out of respect for the organization, both have made the decision to resign from Out for Education since their new roles at work would prevent them from dedicating the required time to the organization. Our Board of Directors wish Mark and Katie well on their new journeys and remain in close contact. You might just spot them as volunteers at our next event!

Additionally, Tim has been accepted to a study abroad program in Beijing! We are so happy for Tim as he explores China and strengthens his skill set as an educator. It is our hope that Tim will return to OFE upon his return to the States.

We've been hard at work finding dynamic professionals to join our Board of Directors! We are proud to share with you our current Board of Directors below. Titles/offices are subject to change once we hold our annual elections in November.

Every year we strive to serve more and more LGBTQIA+ students and this year we've done just that! Check out our annual report card by clicking the file below to view the details of our FY23!

This quarter's scholar spotlight is Cameron Samuels. Cameron graduated from Katy ISD and is currently studying Politics and Journalism at Brandeis University in Massachusetts. They have been remotely organizing in the 88th Texas Legislature with Students Engaged in Advancing Texas (SEAT) this past semester. Their goal for the future is to shape a world where our community values one another and a quality education. Cameron states, "No student should find themselves in a classroom where queer voices are silenced. OFE is helping me make this vision a reality." Through their work with SEAT, Cameron has been an active voice for LGBTQ+ youth, advocating for basic rights at school board meetings in Katy ISD and HISD most recently.

Cameron's tenacity has earned them a place as this year's Honorary Grand Marshall Trendsetter in the Houston Pride Parade. They were also recognized this year with the Human Rights Campaign's Trailblazer Award in April.

To read more about Cameron's story, check out this OutSmart magazine piece written in their honor: https://www.outsmartmagazine.com/2023/06/trailblazing-teenager/

May was such an exciting time for us! We awarded 28 students with $128, 000 in scholarship dollars. Thank you to Backyard Pineapple, Houston Grazing Tables, Boba Babes, and Big Brothers Big Sisters for their donations and support that made the evening a tremendous success.

Out For Education was very active this Pride season! Here are just some of the highlights for June.

• Our students were honored guests at the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce Pride in Business luncheon
• OFE participated in Astros Pride Night
• OFE participated in the Space City Cowboys Pride Night
• We were invited to the MSLA Jocks in Dresses event as beneficiaries
• OFE participated in the Montrose Center's Community Pride Celebration

Bunnies on the Bayou generously provided Out For Education with a $12,000 donation on July 2, 2023! 100% of these funds will be used to provide students with scholarships for their post-secondary education. OFE is grateful to have such a longstanding partnership with BOTB and we look forward to many more years of working together to provide LGBTQ+ scholarships.

Many of our donors, volunteers, and this year's scholarship recipients got together this summer to meet and discuss students' plans for the future. Thank you to Star Sailor for graciously hosting us! The food and drinks were amazing.

The Montrose Softball League Association generously provided Out for Education with a $4,000 donation on August 6! 100% of these funds will be used to provide post-secondary scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students in Houston. Thank you to everyone who helped raise these scholarship dollars this past year!

The 2024 scholarship application window will open Monday, October 16, 2023 and will remain open through February 23, 2024 (11:59 p.m.). Applicant will apply online using a link that will be posted to our social media accounts once the window opens.

Important Notes:

• Most students spend about 30 minutes to an hour submitting their applications with the essay taking up most of the time and effort
• Most recent transcript is required
• Teacher/professor/professional recommendation is required
• There is a service requirement for all recipients (volunteering/participating with OFE)
• Open to LGBTQIA+ students of all ages (high school seniors and beyond)
• Open to students whose parents are in the LGBTQIA+ community

If you're interested in giving back in other ways or have questions about how to support Out For Education, email/text us using the information below or inbox us on any social media platform.

Email: contact@outforeducation.org
Website: www.outforeducation.org
Location: PO Box 66710 Houston, Texas 77266
Phone: 281-671-0029
Facebook: facebook.com/outforeducation
Twitter: @outforedhouston